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Labor Day was created to pay tribute to America’s hardworking men and women, but for many working people in central Pennsylvania, taking time off during the holiday is not an option.
Today, millions of hardworking Americans who help feed, serve, clothe and build this country are struggling like never before in low-paying full- or part-time jobs. Erratic scheduling has made it impossible for many working people to control their lives, let alone go to school, take care of a child or loved one, address medical needs or find a second job. Trade deals, supported by Democrats and Republicans who offer false promises of better jobs in the future, continue to ship good jobs overseas. Corporations like Amazon and Wal-Mart not only fight against the opportunity of workers to join together, organize and speak out for better lives, but treat all their workers as if they are dispensable board pieces in a cruel game of Monopoly.
The simple question we must ask ourselves is this: How long can this nation endure when so few have so much, and so many have so little?
The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 38 represents workers at ConAgra and the Ryder Distribution Center, in Milton, along with the Big Heart Pet Foods Operation and Ardagh Can Co., in Bloomsburg. All four locations enjoy union representation and work under fairly negotiated contracts. Our member know they are protected, and our employers understand and generally respect the agreements we have negotiated for our members. Our members can look forward to having this Labor Day off as a paid holiday, or if they are required to work, will be fairly compensated for giving up their holiday. Their union contract guarantees it!
No one in America should have to fight alone for a better life. Our union family is determined to fight for the better life that hardworking men and women deserve. We are determined to prove our value to the millions of workers who have questions or doubts. If you are interested in joining a union, please feel free to contact us.
The time has come to change our nation’s path because there is no corporate white knight coming to the rescue. Hardworking men and women can and must control their destiny by coming together, standing up and speaking out.
That is what Labor Day is and must be about. It must be a clarion call for a new era of change for labor and workers. This Labor Day, let’s focus on the power we all have to define a brighter path forward for the millions of workers and their families who deserve and have earned a better life.
Russ Baker
President
and
Rick Thomas
Legislative and political representative
UFCW Local 38
Milton